USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 37
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Henrich Speth, who obtained his education in Germany, spent the first twenty- two years of his life in that country and in 1854 crossed the ocean to the United States, landing at New Orleans. Thence he made his way up the Mississippi river to Davenport, Iowa, arriving here in the month of September. He first secured employment on a flat boat but soon afterward became identified with agricultural interests as a farm hand, being thus engaged for several years. Subsequently he devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land and broke prairie. In 1863 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of improved land in Cleona township and the following year bought an adjoining tract of forty acres, but never lived thereon. He leased his property for a number of years and did not take up his abode upon his first purchase until 1869. He had been married in 1859 and re- sided on the Miller farm in Blue Grass township until 1869, when he established his home on his farm in Cleona township, erecting a commodious and substantial residence and otherwise improving the place. At the end of about six years he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Durant, Iowa, where he lived retired for eighteen years. On the expiration of that period, in 1893, he came to Davenport and has here since continued to reside. He is a stockholder in the Durant Savings Bank and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of his community.
On the 29th of December, 1859, Mr. Speth was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Nissen, a daughter of John and Maria Nissen. The mother passed away in Germany and the father afterward came to the United States, landing at New York in 1852. Mrs. Speth lived with an uncle at Jersey City for about four years and then came to Scott county, Iowa, with her father. The latter's demise oc- curred in 1875 while he was enroute to Germany on a visit. Mrs. Speth was one of a family of four children, two of whom died in Germany. The other, Christina, who gave her hand in marriage to Fritz F. Gerken, is also now deceased.
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Politically Mr. Speth is a stanch advocate of the democratic party. While liv- ing in Durant he served as a member of the council and proved a faithful and capable public official. He belongs to the Old German Settlers Association and is a valued member thereof. Germany has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the fatherland to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured. Mr. Speth found the opportunity he sought in the freedom and appreciation of the growing country. Though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling, and is patriotic and sin- cere in his love for the stars and stripes. His career is identified with the history of Scott county, where he has acquired a competence and where he is an honored and respected citizen. He has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on this earthly pilgrimage and his life has ever been such that he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.
HUGO G. SCHAEFER.
For a number of years Hugo G. Schafer was a resident of Sheridan township, where he farmed for ten years, but for the last decade and more he has been a resident of the city of Davenport. A native of this county, he was born in Pleasant Valley township, his parents being William and Lena (Houseman) Schæfer, who were born in Germany and shortly after their marriage emigrated to America. They came to Scott county almost immediately and here the father rented land for a time. Later he purchased one hundred and thirty acres in Pleasant Valley township, and after a residence of about seven years thereon bought another farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Davenport township. On it he lived during the remainder of his active life, improving it and operating it with a marked suc- cess. He had, however, in the course of years invested heavily in real estate, so that at the time of his death he was in the possession of four hundred and sixty acres. He was an eager participant in the public life of his township, having served as road commissioner for a long period and was a member of the Old Ger- man Settlers Society. The last years of his life were spent in Davenport and there he passed away December 5, 1908, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. His widow still survives. They were the parents of the following children : William, who is engaged in farming in Pleasant Valley township; Richard, an agriculturist of Davenport township; Alexander, who also resides in Pleasant Valley township; Hugo, in city of Davenport; Otto, of Pleasant Valley township; Albert, a resident of Davenport township; Meta, who is the wife of William Carsen, of Davenport; Emil, who died at the age of fourteen years ; and two who died in infancy.
Hugo G. Schafer has spent a large part of his life in Scott county. As soon as he was of suitable age he became a pupil in the district school near his home, later attending a German school and a business college. At the age of fifteen he put aside his text-books, left the farm and came to Davenport, that he might begin his business career. For the first four years he was clerk in a store and then se- cured a position as traveling salesman, in this capacity becoming familiar with the
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greater part of the south and west. In 1894 he opened a general store in Dixon, this county, which he conducted profitably during the next two years, but as his health had failed he was compelled to sell his interests and so turned to agriculture. He was not a man, however, to confine his work to one field if he saw other oppor- tunities for advancement. As a result several industries and enterprises in Scott county received his support.
On the 30th of April, 1895, Mr. Schæfer wedded Miss Adele Hagedorn, a daughter of Christian and Mary (Schlotfeldt) Hagedorn, who are old German settlers of Scott county. One son, Clarence A., has been born to the couple. Mr. Schæfer is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the Turner Society. His energies have never been exerted sel- fishly but always in such a manner that his fellow citizens profited from them.
HANS SOENKE.
Among the old residents of Scott county who are now living in retirement in Davenport, Hans Soenke is numbered. He was formerly engaged in farming and still owns valuable and extensive lands in the state. He was born in Hol- stein, Germany, January 31, 1836, a son of Hans and Christina (Jacobs) Soenke. The father emigrated with his family to the new world in 1853, and, landing at New York city, made his way direct to St. Louis, whence he went up the river about a hundred miles, where lived some friends, with whom the Soenke family remained for a few months. The father then sought a location and, deciding upon Iowa as a suitable place to settle, he rented land in Hickory Grove town- ship, Scott county, where he spent the first winter and then removed to Blue Grass township, living there for four years, and then operated a farm in Hickory Grove township. He next leased four hundred and eighty acres in Blue Grass township, this being divided into two farms, which lay about three miles apart. This was all prairie but Mr. Soenke at once began to place the fields under cul- tivation, having fenced the place and erected a house. In course of years he purchased this land and carried on farming on an extensive scale until his de- mise. His family numbered eight children: Mary, deceased; Anna, who became the wife of Fred Hanson but is now deceased; Peter, who has also passed away; Hans, of this review ; Christina, the wife of John Foucht, a resident of Musca- tine county, this state; John, deceased; Margaret, who became the wife of J. Brothers and has also departed this life; and Katherine, the deceased wife of Henry Timm. Both the parents died many years ago. The father, who was born August 8, 1803, died in 1881 on the seventy-eighth anniversary of his birth. The mother, who was likewise born in 1803, passed away in 1863.
Hans Soenke, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of seventeen years when he accompanied his parents on their trip to the new world. After their arrival here, he located with them in Scott county, where he found em- ployment during the harvesting season. While thus engaged he had the mis- fortune to lose his right arm. When the father rented a farm the son assisted him in his work and accompanied him on his various removals after coming to
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Scott county, assisting in the work of the different farms. After the father's demise, Mr. Soenke took charge of the place and made it his home until 1898, since which time he has lived retired in Davenport. He still retains possession of the farm of two hundred and forty acres in Blue Grass township and owns a similar amount in Clay county, this state. This is all valuable land and sup- plies him with a good competency, which enables him to enjoy all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Soenke was married December 20, 1865, to Miss Anna Inbeck, a daugh- ter of John and Augustina Margaret Inbeck, whose parents located in Davenport in 1863. They have become the parents of the following named. Christina is the deceased wife of Louis Koechert, who lives on Mr. Soenke's farm in Clay county. She was the mother of a daughter and two sons, Ida, Albert, and Her- man. Hans, the next member of the family, wedded Helen Puck but is now deceased. Henry, who lives on the homestead place in Blue Grass township, wedded Miss Minnie Sulk and they have two children, Karma and a baby. Wil- helmina is the wife of Henry Faurback and they reside in Cleona township, Scott county. They have five children, Fred, Mary Ann, Elmer, Ida and Loyd. Agnes Soenke is the wife of William Ruge, of Walcott, Iowa, and is the mother of five children, Walter, Clarence, Hans, Etta and Boeta. Ida, the sixth member of the family, is with her parents. Herman, the youngest, wedded Ella Dean and they have a daughter, Erma.
While still a resident of Blue Grass township, Mr. Soenke served as school director for a number of years and was formerly on the directorate of the Wal- cott Savings Bank and the Walcott Creamery Company and he still is a stock- holder in these two concerns. He has been treasurer of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Walcott since 1882. In former years his life was one of continuous activity, in which was accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Davenport and Scott county. His interests have at all times been thoroughly identified with those of Scott county, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its won- derful development. He is a member of the German Pioneers Association and in politics is a democrat.
ALLEN R. BOUDINOT.
Allen R. Boudinot, a civil engineer of Davenport, who is also acting as county drainage engineer, has been accorded a gratifying patronage in this connection in recognition of his superior ability and knowledge. His birth occurred in Marion county, Iowa, his parents being H. Raymond and Ella J. Boudinot. He attended the schools of his native county but most of his education was obtained in the city of his adoption, where he located at the age of ten years. After attending the Dav- enport high school he became enrolled as a student in the Iowa State College at Ames, being graduated therefrom as a civil engineer in the year 1905.
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Subsequently Mr. Boudinot spent about two years in Chicago as an employe of the American Bridge Company but on the expiration of that period returned to Davenport and has since practiced his profession here. His rapid and substan- tial rise in his calling is attributable to the thoroughness with which he has mas- tered everything bearing upon the subject of civil engineering, combined with his unwearied industry and his professional integrity.
On the 26th of September, 1906, Mr. Boudinot was united in marriage to Miss Luverna Walston, a daughter of William and Sarah (Waite) Walston, who were numbered among the pioneer settlers of Jones county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Boudinot are now the parents of two children, William W. and Donald J.
ROBERT KRAUSE.
The activities of today become the history of tomorrow, and thus it is that the name of Robert Krause is enrolled among those who have left their impress upon the annals of Davenport through the part which they have taken in de- veloping the industrial, commercial and financial projects of the city. Progres- sive in business, his initiative spirit and constructive measures enabled him to es- tablish one of Davenport's leading industries in founding and promoting the Krause Shirt Company. He came to be known, moreover, in financial circles as vice president of the Citizens Savings Bank, and he belonged to that class of men who have proven the value of the German element in our American citi- zenship. He was born in Walkenreid, in the province of Brunswick, Germany, November 13, 1834, a son of Conrad Behrend and Francisca (Osthaus) Krause. In the mind of the father the idea of establishing a home in America at length took firm hold. He was a man of culture and education and the belief that the United States would present greater opportunities for his children led him to sever his association with the land of his birth and come with his family to the new world.
Robert Krause was but fourteen years of age at the time of this change of residence. Landing in New York, they proceeded by way of Buffalo to Cleve- land, Ohio, and afterward to Mansfield, Ohio, where they lived for about twelve years, and eventually came to Davenport. Robert Krause had begun his edu- cation in the schools of the fatherland and continued his studies in Ohio, at length becoming a pupil in Kenyon College, his course there completing his edu- cation. Early in life he manifested splendid commercial talent. He came to Davenport with his brother William and identified himself with the interests of the city, at length founding and promoting the Krause Shirt Company, which was and is one of Davenport's leading industries and was carried on by him with entire success. He was one of the promoters of the glucose industry here and later became a factor in financial circles as the vice president of the Citizens Bank, to which he gave the benefit of his services for thirty years. In fact, he was thoroughly identified with many business projects in this city and thus be- came one of its foremost builders.
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Roby Krause
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
On New Year's day of 1860 Mr. Krause was united in marriage to Miss Louise Steinhelber, a daughter of Ezekiel and Wilhelmina Steinhelber, who be- came pioneer residents of this city and were of great assistance in advising and befriending many of the early German residents of Scott county. Mr. Stein- helber engaged in the real-estate business here, also conducted a hotel, was the owner of the first ice house and also of the first livery stable. Later he invested in farm lands until he became the owner of eight hundred acres in Scott county, upon which he spent the last thirty years of his life, save for a brief period of five and a half months which were passed in California for the benefit of his health. He was practically empty handed when he came to the United States but his carefully directed business efforts and wise investments brought him substantial success, making him one of the men of affluence of the county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Krause were born two daughters. Emelia V. is the de- ceased wife of Paul Karlowa, by whom she had three children, namely : Robert Krause, Carolyn and Clara. The second daughter, Clara L., is the wife of L. P. Best, of Davenport, and has two children, Louis Phillip and Gretchen.
The death of Mr. Krause occurred July 5, 1900. Mrs. Krause still survives and resides at No. 527 West Eighth street. He was a man of genial nature, and though he preferred a home life to clubs and social organizations, he was never- theless a valued and interested member of the Turner Society and also of the Schuetzen Verein. Long a resident of Davenport, all who knew him recognized the soundness of his business principles and the value of his activities as factors in the upbuilding of the city. Well descended and well bred, he manifested throughout his life those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. While he attained a prominent position in commercial and industrial circles, the most envious could not grudge him his success, so worthily was it won and so honorably used.
P. A. BENDIXEN, M. D.
Dr. P. A. Bendixen, a successful and progressive young medical practitioner of Davenport, has followed his profession here since January, 1907, having made a specialty of surgery. He was born in this city on the 8th of October, 1881, his parents being Peter and Catherine (Beenk) Bendixen, both of whom are na- tives of Germany. They were married, however, in Davenport, the father mak- ing his way to this city in 1872. He was a cabinet maker by trade but secured a position as foreman in the Davenport Plough Works, acting in that capacity for a number of years. Subsequently he took up his abode in Gladbrook, Iowa, where he has been successfully engaged in the furniture business to the present time. Unto him and his wife were born three children but the two daughters died in infancy.
P. A. Bendixen, who was the youngest child in his father's family, obtained his education in the public schools of Gladbrook and after being graduated from the high school he entered the Chicago University, completing the scientific course at that institution in 1902. Having determined upon the practice of
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medicine as a life work, he became enrolled as a student at Rush Medical Col- lege and in 1905 the degree of M. D. was conferred upon him. He then had charge of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Hospital in Chicago until 1906, when he went to Europe and for eight months pursued post graduate work at Berlin, Paris and Vienna, devoting special attention to the study of surgery, of which branch of practice he has since made a specialty. In January, 1907, he opened an office in Davenport, Iowa, and this city has since remained the scene of his professional labors. That he keeps in touch with the profession in its advancement, experimentation and experience is indicated through his mem- bership with the Scott County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the Iowa and Illinois Central District Medical Society, the Iowa Union Medical Society, the Second District Medical Society, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Surgical Association and the American Association of Railway Surgeons. He acts as surgeon for the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul Railroad and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and also for a number of manufacturing concerns and is examiner for the Northwestern Insurance Company.
In October, 1907, Dr. Bendixen was united in marriage to Miss Jane Elspeth Shuler, a native of Rapids City, Illinois. They now have a daughter, Jane Elspeth, whose birth occurred on the 23d of September, 1908.
Dr. Bendixen belongs to Davenport Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M .; Davenport Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M .; Zarephath Consistory, No. 4; and Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; and is likewise a valued and popular member of the Daven- port Commercial Club and the Davenport Outing Club. While yet a young man, he has already attained a creditable position in professional circles, and the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been otherwise associated.
FRITZ KUELPER.
Fritz Kuelper, one of the old German settlers of Sheridan township, lives upon an excellent farm of eighty acres which he owns, and despite his advanc- ing years continues to retain the responsibility of its cultivation. He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, November 24, 1828, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Christ Kuelper, both natives of the fatherland. The father was a farmer in the old country and about 1853 decided to try his fortune in America. Accordingly in that year he and his family embarked upon the long ocean voyage, and, after having landed in New York, came directly to Iowa. In Davenport Mr. Kuelper found employment and later rented land in Blue Grass township, where he devoted himself to farming. In his family were five children: Henry, who is deceased; Fritz, the subject of this review; Marie, who became the wife of Wil- liam Orth, of Rock Island, Illinois; Minnie, deceased; and Christ, who is resid- ing in Belle Plain, Iowa.
Fritz Kuelper was about twenty-five years of age when he came to this country, so that he had previously obtained his education and had some experi-
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ence in the struggles of life. After his arrival in Scott county he found work in Davenport and upon the farms surrounding the city. Later he rented land, and, as the result of his savings, in 1879 bought the eighty acres on which he now lives. Some improvements had already been made upon it at the time of purchase, but these Mr. Kuelper carried forward, erecting fine barns, granaries and other buildings, and remodeling those already standing. He found the soil best adapted to general farming and to such he has devoted his attention, gaining in the course of years a well merited success.
After he had firmly established himself in this new country, Mr. Kuelper married Miss Dorothy Harder, a native of Germany. Their union was cele- brated in December, 1866, and was blessed with eight children. Meta be- came the wife of William Oldenburg, of Lester, Iowa, and they have five chil- dren, Stella, Linda, Esther, Wilbur and Amanda. Julius, a resident of Wal- cott, Iowa, wedded Miss Minnie Arp, and they have three children, Vera, Alice and Lillian. Emma became the wife of Herman Weise, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and they have two daughters, Hazel and Alma. Amanda is at home. Frank married Miss Amanda Detrick and lives in Davenport. Edward is at home. Emelia became the wife of Otto Schwab, and they have two sons, Harland and Russell. Theodore died in infancy. Mrs. Kuelper has also passed away, her death having occurred July 28, 1898, when she was fifty-six years of age.
Mr. Kuelper is a member of the German Old Settlers Society, and while he has always been interested in local affairs has not in any sense of the word been an aspirant for political office, although he filled satisfactorily the position of road supervisor for a period of years. He has spent his life quietly and un- ostentatiously, performing each day's tasks as they came and winning in return for industry and diligence an income that makes the higher enjoyment of life possible.
JESSE R. PORTER, M. D.
Davenport numbers among her well known and prominent physicians Dr. Jesse R. Porter, who during his residence in this city, which extends over a period of about thirteen years, has built up a large and lucrative practice which is constantly growing in volume and importance. The Porter family has long been represented in America, having come to this country from the north of Ireland in 1645, owing to the unsettled and troubled condition of that country at that time.
His father, Dr. Joseph Porter, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, and came to Scott county in 1854, locating in Blue Grass township, where he continued to practice his profession until the time of his demise. He had acquired his medical training in the State University of Ohio, at Columbus, and had come west for the purpose of opening an office but because of ill health was compelled to give up that plan, being engaged as a surveyor for several years. Later, however, he followed his profession in Blue Grass, where he practiced for thirty-nine years, and accord- ing to length of time was the oldest practitioner, with one exception in this county at the time of his death. He also took an active part in community affairs, being prominent and influential in local republican ranks, serving in various public offi-
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ces. He also represented his district in the state legislature during the period of the Civil war and was at all times prominently identified with the interests of the community in which he resided. The mother of our subject was born on a sailing vessel en route from Hamburg to New York, and, after a short time spent in Pennsylvania, came with her parents to Scott county, about 1850, where she gave her hand in marriage to Dr. Joseph Porter. They became the parents of seven sons and one daughter, three sons beside our subject being now engaged in the practice of medicine in Iowa, namely : Leroy V., of Bondurant; and Clarence M. and Charles E., both practicing in Menlo.
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